Midhurst and Petworth police warn residents after spate of thefts

POLICE are moving to tackle rural crime following a spate of thefts from across the area.

In recent weeks there has been a rise in burglaries with opportunistic thieves stealing thousands of pounds worth of garden tools and machinery from garages, sheds, outbuildings and stables.

At a farm in Kirdford, thieves also made off with an Iseki tractor.

Sergeant Jonathan Chapman is urging people to be vigilant: “We are currently experiencing a high number of overnight burglaries in the areas of Milland, Rake, Easebourne, Rogate, Trotton, Heyshott, Stedham, Haslemere and surrounding areas.